Ericsson announced plans of its expansion into the GSM 450 MHz band, which enables a cost-efficient GSM mobile coverage to areas that are not yet covered. It is slated to support global GSM roaming. One of the primary goals is to lower operating costs with the added advantage of better coverage. In rural areas this can be leveraged to supplement existing fixed line networks as well.

GSM 450 can be combined with current frequency bands, even in the same area, effectively combining coverage characteristics of 450MHz band with current high-capacity solutions.

Ericsson, along with major hardware manufacturers, is targeting product launches based on the 450 MHz band during 2006.

More info is available on Ericsson's website.